THE TIMES (Malta) July, 5., 2003:

”Brilliant piano recital”

"…The first [Chopin] was the gorgeously interpreted Ballade n.1 in G-minor, op. 23 wherein the lyrical and dramatic were so finely balanced, the brilliance of the tone and delicacy of expression at their best."

"…finely delineated contrasts in the Mazurkas op. 33 n.1-4.

"Holming went further and displayed a great smoothness of transition and adaptability to a different idiom when he performed Bartok's last Six Dances (in Bulgarian rhythm) from the large Mikrokosmos cycle. There was a sharp definition of the various characteristics, which enrich these pieces."

"Yet again, the pianist was to show his worth as he performed Liszt’s Isolde’s Liebestod … Holming did not merely play for effect, but also with great sensitivity whenever this was necessary. There was the power and the sweep too, leading to a most satisfying conclusion and resulting in an appreciative applause from those present."

[a Schubert Lieder-recital] "…Mr. Holming proved his excellent worth as a very able accompanist…"

Albert G. Storace
 

THE SUNDAY TIMES (Malta) July, 6., 2003:

"On Friday, Patrick Holming gave a recital of works that where taxing for the pianist but not for the listener. He makes strong, vividly coloured sound, elucidating inner parts and creating the right romantic atmosphere in Chopin and revelling in the brilliance of Liszt. At the same time, he laid out his music with a clarity both of intellectual purpose and sound-world that pays dividends."

"Holming's playing of Chopin's Ballade No 1 was a combination of demureness and intensity as he blazed through the work."

"Holming's reading of this work [Liszt/Wagner Isoldens Liebestod] possessed an authority that was palpable from the openings bars. The sweep of his performance had command and dramatic frisson."

"Holming performed the waltzes [Schubert] with a controlled lyricism which allowed the piano to sing while retaining the character of the piece."

Cecilia Xuereb